Enrollment for 2014 plans began Oct. 1 and runs through March 31, 2014. Plans purchased before Dec. 15 go into effect Jan. 1.

How much will it cost me?

It will vary from person to person depending on the amount of coverage you want and whether or not you qualify for a federal subsidy.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the average premium for a mid-range insurance plan under the ACA to be $369, compared to the $328 national average.

What are the types of plans?

There are five possible types of coverage: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and catastrophic. Platinum plans offer the highest level of coverage with the lowest out-of-pocket cost for services but also have the highest premiums. Bronze plans are the most affordable month-to-month, but services cost more out-of-pocket.

Catastrophic coverage is only available to people under 30 who don’t qualify for a subsidy.

Subsidies are offered for individuals and households earning between 100 and 400 percent of the poverty level.

There are subsidy calculators online, like at the Kaiser Family Foundation’s website at www.kff.org. A tutorial at www.nchealthagency.com also offers a quick subsidy guide.

Insurance agents can also offer assistance with determining costs and subsidies.

Our family doesn’t make that much. Why wouldn’t we qualify for a subsidy?

Scott Allred, with Don Allred Insurance, calls it “the family glitch.” Subsidies aren’t available for families that have access to group insurance plans. For instance, if one spouse is unemployed and uninsured but the other gets insurance through an employer, that family isn’t eligible for insurance coverage.

Why do the premiums on these plans look higher than what I’m paying now?

The law requires insurance companies to cover everyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions. It also makes certain benefits previously considered premium — like maternity leave — standard in all plans. Certain services will be covered 100 percent by new plans. And the law caps costs for seniors.

That means insurance companies are spreading costs to everyone.

Young males, 18-30, will see large increases — because they’re paying into maternity benefits, pediatric benefits and other things that used to make women’s premiums cost more than men’s.

Can I keep my current insurance plan?

Only if you’ve had it since before March 23, 2010.

Plans enrolled in or altered after that date won’t be renewed.

How do I enroll in a healthcare plan?

You can enroll online, in-person with a navigator or insurance agent or over the phone.

The federal website, www.healthcare.gov, hasn’t worked consistently since enrollment began but should eventually be running up to speed.

Enroll over the phone at 1-800-318-2596.

What do I need to enroll?

Your social security number, employer and income information for each member of your household who needs coverage (pay stubs or W-2 forms and policy numbers for current insurance plans.

Do I have to enroll in a plan?

No. But you’ll pay a penalty if you don’t. That penalty is the greater of $95 or 1 percent of taxable income in 2014. It goes up to $325 or 2 percent in 2015 and $695 or 2.5 percent in 2016.

Some people with extremely low incomes or who don’t pay taxes are exempt from the penalty.

Where can I get help?

■ Graham Public Library will host a public information session at 6 p.m. Nov. 4.

■ Agents with Don Allred Insurance — through Blue Cross Blue Shield NC — are at the Walmart on Graham-Hopedale Road through March 31. The agency has a quick tutorial video at www.nchealthagency.org.